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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 08-04-09Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>CONTENTS / CONTENU
[II] Other news - Autres Nouvelles
MIDDAY EXPRESSNews from the Communication Directorate General's midday briefingNouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Communicationb09/04/08[01] I. Résultats de la Commission du 9 avril 2008 – Outcome of Commission meeting of 9 April 2008[02] Commission: EU must stand by its promises and deliver on development aid if we are to meet the Millennium Development GoalsFollowing last week's release of the OECD development aid figures, the Commission today urged Member States to go beyond rhetoric and deliver on their commitments. In its Communication "EU as a global partner for development", the Commission proposes a number of actions to encourage Member States to increase the volume and the effectiveness of aid as well as areas where EU policies could be better coordinated.[II] Other news - Autres Nouvelles[03] Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of AvtoVaz by Renault and Russian TechnologyThe European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of joint control over AvtoVaz of Russia by Renault SA of France and Russian Technology of Russia. After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.[04] Euro area GDP up by 0.4% and EU27 GDP up by 0.5%Euro area (EA13) GDP grew by 0.4% and EU27 GDP by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared with the previous quarter, according to second estimates from Eurostat. In the third quarter of 2007, growth rates were +0.7% in the euro area and +0.8% in the EU27. In comparison with the same quarter of the previous year, seasonally adjusted GDP grew in the fourth quarter of 2007 by 2.2% in the euro area and by 2.5% in the EU27, after +2.7% and +2.9% respectively in the previous quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2007 and among the Member States for which seasonally adjusted GDP data are available, Slovakia (+3.3%) recorded the highest growth rate compared with the previous quarter, followed by Poland (+2.0%) and the Czech Republic (+1.7%).[05] Standing Committee approves modified rules on movement of animals in an effort to control BluetongueIn an effort to control Bluetongue, the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health today approved a draft European Commission regulation modifying rules for the movement of animals. Under the new rules that will apply for a transitional period until 31 December 2008, Member States may require, following Commission authorisation, that animals to be moved from restricted zones into bluetongue-free areas are either vaccinated or shown to be naturally immunised. However, for calves under 90 days old that are too young to be vaccinated, movements from restricted zones can take place without vaccination, on the condition that the animals are kept confined to be better protected from vectors. The new Regulation reviews the conditions under which naturally immunised animals may be moved out of restricted zones. Confirmation of the existence of antibodies through a second serological test seven days before movement provides further reassurance that such animals are immune and thus can be safely moved. Bluetongue is a non-contagious, insect-transmitted, viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants. The control of Bluetongue is proving particularly difficult because of the presence of a new strain of the disease (BTV-8) and of a new species of the insect that transmits the virus. Vaccination is the tool of choice to combat Bluetongue and it is the best option to facilitate the safe trade of susceptible animals from bluetongue restricted zones. Other options, such as the protection against the insect vectors combined with laboratory tests, are difficult to implement on a large scale. It is also difficult to determine the insect- free season under the current climate-change situation.[06] DecaBDE: Commission accepts ECJ rulingOn 1 April 2008, the European Court of Justice banned the use of DecaBDE, a brominated flame retardant, in electrical and electronic equipment. DecaBDE was originally prohibited in 2002 under Community legislation on hazardous substances. The Commission lifted that ban for use in plastics in 2005, considering that elimination of the substance was impractical at that time. The decision to lift the ban was challenged by Denmark and the European Parliament. The April 1 judgment rules in their favour. The Commission accepts the judgment, and from 30 June 2008 the substance will be banned in electrical and electronic equipment put on the market for the first time. Recent studies show that many large manufacturers have already switched to bromine-free alternatives, which present minimal risks for adverse environmental effects. As a result of the ruling, economic operators should consider 30 June 2008 the final cut-off date for placing new electric and electronic goods containing the substance on the market. The necessary steps will now be taken to implement the ruling.Rediffusion [07] Le Commissaire Louis Michel et Le Président désigné de la Commission de l'Union Africaine Jean Ping manifestent leur inquiétude par rapport à la hausse du prix des denrées alimentairesLe Président désigné de la Commission de l'Union Africaine Jean Ping et le Commissaire européen pour le dévelopment et l'aide humanitaire, Louis Michel, se sont entretenus ce matin pour un tour d'horizon des sujets d'intérêt commun entre l'Afrique et L'Europe. Au cours de cet entretien, M. Jean Ping a souligné le défi majeur que représentait la hausse drastique du prix des denrées alimentaires pour les populations africaines et appelé à une mobilisation de la communauté internationale pour réinvestir dans le secteur de l'agriculture notamment en Afrique.[08] Autre matériel diffusé• Speech by Commissioner Rehn on A stronger Europe through deepening and widening, Brussels• Speech by Commissioner McCreevy on International Developments in Insurance Regulation, London A disposition au secrétariat de Jonathan Todd (BERL 03/315): Notification préalable d'une opération de concentration : ČEZ/MOL/JV EADS / SITA FRANCE / TARMAC AEROSAVE
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/ Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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